Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen led the way in the opening round of the Castello Masters on Thursday although three renowned Spaniards were in contention just below him on the leaderboard. Kjeldsen's seven-under 64 put him one shot ahead of Spain's former Ryder Cup player Ignacio Garrido, who last triumphed five years ago, 2007 US Open champion Angel Cabrera of Argentina, Briton Richard Finch and Swede Peter Hanson. In a share of sixth place two shots off the lead was the tournament's host Sergio Garcia, the Spanish world number five, who claimed a 66 after picking up shots on his last three holes. Compatriot Jose Maria Olazabal also carded a 66 as the double US Masters champion continued his rehabilitation following injury and sickness. However, Olazabal's second tournament after a three-month layoff to recover from the effects of medication for back rheumatism was another wayward affair, especially off the tee. Like his comeback two weeks ago in Madrid, he was saved by a magical short game. Colombian world number seven Camilo Villegas, Garcia's house guest this week after being invited to play by the Spaniard, is six shots off the lead. Sorenstam determined Annika Sorenstam might be winding up her illustrious career but the desire to win is still raging inside her and she plans more victories in her final tournaments, starting in China this week. The 38-year-old, who retires at the end of the season, has her sights firmly set on the $1.8 million Grand China Air, the first official USLPGA tournament in the country. Named by Tiger Woods as the “greatest female player of all time” earlier this year, the Swede has almost 90 career victories world-wide since 1992, including three this year. “I have a few more chances. I've counted six events left, so it's certainly coming to an end and obviously (it's been) a wonderful ride,” she said. “I'm excited to be here and I'm looking forward to the next few tournaments. I know it's been different since I announced my stepping away plans in June. I haven't really played as well as I wanted, so it would be nice to finish with a few wins and kind of leave it at that.” She said: “I'm sure we are going to see a lot more Chinese players joining the LPGA.” The event starts on Friday.
